A little Pilates, a little TRX
A low impact workout can strengthen and tone our muscles efficiently in an entirely different way than opposing types of exercise. Though some impact is important and beneficial for bone density and strength, we need to vary our workouts to keep our bodies healthy for the long haul. That's why I love Pilates and exercises done with the TRX bands. We incorporated these two low-impact workout stations, in addition to CoreStrong and The City Skinny, to complement what our participants were experiencing for the day. The overall focus of the day was to be very well-rounded, and at a smaller level, so were these four stations in the park. Kristen McAuliffe, owner of It's Working Out in Columbia Tusculum, set up her TRX spot on a swingset of a playground in Ault Park. One thing I love about Kristen is her ability to read her clients. For instance, I'm sure the first group coming through felt stronger than the third or fourth. I happened to be in the third group- we still felt pretty good, but she could tell that adding some stretches into her planned routine would benefit us more at that point. Another ability she has that makes her stand out is her cues. She tells you exactly how to position your hands or feet into the handles step by step, which may sound elementary, but, for a first-time TRXer, can be very confusing at times! Instead of fumbling around, the people she works with can get right into the proper position gracefully. She took us through bridge poses, reverse planks, core and upper body exercises, and some stretches that felt incredible!
I love that you can travel with and hook these bands up to a secure pole or tree branch, but I also love TRX in a classroom setting; it's great how versatile this piece of equipment can be. It's also nice to have the knowledge of how to utilize these bands confidently at the gym, rather than staring at them from the treadmill, wishing you could proudly walk over and perform an exercise!
Our final station was Pilates by Michelle Mason of Studio S in Hyde Park. While it felt good to be on a mat, we quickly realized we weren't off the hook! Michelle focused on our abdominals, core and some killer side planks with leg circles. I always say I need more Pilates in my life- admittedly, I don't do it enough- but the fascinating thing about Pilates is that, while you will get better and more efficient as you practice, it never ceases to be a challenge. Michelle's cues are spot on, and she has all the people skills any great trainer should be armed with. She has the ability to make anyone feel at ease, and the same vibe is found inside Studio S.
Studio S, specifically Michelle, has added a new Pilates class called Strong Moms. While Pilates can greatly benefit any physical type, sex or age, it can be particularly helpful for a new mom, or a mom at any stage, for that matter. After a body goes through such a significant change, it can either be overwhelming knowing where to begin, or tempting to try to jump back into your exercise routine as if nothing has changed physically. Studio S added this new class to give you some exercises that can properly help your body get back to it's strengthened state. And Michelle knows first-hand, being a mom of a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old. So come be a part of the Strong Moms revolution! We will be highlighting this class starting at the end of the month. Classes start 10/20.
Another good way to get back in the game or freshen up your routine is taking advantage of It's Working Out New Client Intro package. Options are $69/month for unlimited rowing OR TRX classes, or $129 for both. Her new rowing studio is located right next door to the TRX studio and offers everything from the basics of rowing to an intense, full body circuit Shockwave class. The beautiful space also holds a private training studio if you prefer a one-on-one workout.
So grab a friend and check out a new place, wherever you live, and set yourself up for success this fall!! There are so many good people and studios out there to help you along your journey.
